Did you know that sleep apnea can not only affect your sleep patterns, but it could also put you at jeopardy for serious health risks including high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure? Sleep apnea is a serious yet extremely common sleep disorder resulting from failed breathing patterns while you sleep.
Some common characteristics associated with sleep apnea include environmental factors and genetic predispositions. The weather can play a role in sleep apnea, especially if you are suffering from nasal allergies or sinus congestions. Oftentimes, your genetics can be the cause. Oversized tonsils or tongue or undersized jaws can increase your risk for sleep apnea. You are also at risk for sleep apnea if you have a deviated septum or are over the age of 40. Males also tend to be at risk more than females.
A common belief is that sleep apnea is only associated with airway blockages. Although this is a common form of sleep apnea, called obstructive sleep apnea, it is not the only cause. Another form of sleep apnea is called central sleep apnea, which is caused by brain signals. In order to breathe properly your brain communicates with your chest muscles to move accordingly while you sleep, and thus facilitate the proper motions to breathe. However, in some instances, those signals may not be received.
If you would like to meet with Dr. David S. Peterson and our team at The Dental Studio for a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your sleep apnea, please call 801-278-4787 in Sandy, Utah.
If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our dentist may recommend a custom oral appliance which fits over your teeth to keep your airway open while you sleep. Don’t put off a good night’s sleep any longer!